How to Start an EV Charging Business in Bangladesh: A Complete Guide

The use of electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing in Bangladesh, particularly in big cities such as Dhaka and Chattogram. More people are choosing EVs to save money on fuel and help the environment. This means there is a growing need for places to charge these vehicles. That’s why starting an EV charging business can be a smart idea.

So, how to start an EV charging business in Bangladesh? First, find land or rent a busy spot in the city. Then, get a license from the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission. After that, set up DC fast chargers. You also need to work with electricity providers, make sure your system works with the power grid, and use smart apps for payments and control.

Want to learn more about this? Read the full article to learn how to begin step by step!

How to Start an EV Charging Business in Bangladesh?

Thinking about starting an EV charging business in Bangladesh? It’s a great idea because more people are using electric vehicles, especially in big cities. As the demand grows, there’s a big chance for new business. Let’s break it down into simple steps you can follow.

Step 1: Know the EV Market

First, learn about how EVs are used in Bangladesh. Most electric vehicles today are rickshaws and small transports. Still, personal EV cars are slowly growing in number. Focus on cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet, where more EVs are showing up.

Step 2: Choose a Business Model

You can’t just place a charger and wait for customers. Decide if you want to offer public charging, home/office chargers, or fleet services. Each one has a different type of customer and cost. Pick one or try a mix, depending on your budget.

Step 3: Study If It Will Work

Do a quick study before you spend money. Look at traffic, the number of EVs nearby, and how many chargers are already there. Also, think about land cost and power supply. This helps you avoid mistakes later.

Step 4: Pick a Good Spot

Find a place where lots of people go, like shopping malls or office areas. Make sure there’s parking and good power access. You’ll need a 3-phase connection or a solar system for better support. A great location means more customers.

Step 5: Register Your Business

You must register your business legally. Go to the RJSC and get your trade license. You’ll also need a VAT and TIN number to pay taxes. It sounds boring, but it’s very important.

Step 6: Get Legal Permissions

You must follow some rules before starting. Get permission from BPDB for the electricity. Follow the Electricity Act 2018, and get clearance if using solar. This part may take time, so stay patient.

Step 7: Buy the Right Chargers

There are two types of chargers: AC (slow) and DC fast chargers. AC chargers are good for homes, while DC ones are best for cars. Buy from trusted brands, not random sellers. Also, hire trained electricians to set them up safely.

Step 8: Set Up Power Supply

Make sure your station gets enough electricity. Talk to BPDB for upgrades or plan to use solar and batteries. Use power control tools to stop overloading. A good power setup keeps your chargers working all the time.

Step 9: Create a Mobile App (Optional)

Apps can help your business grow faster. People like booking, checking charger status, and paying online. Offer options like bKash, Nagad, and card payments. If making an app is too hard, start small with a phone number on a sign.

Step 10: Let People Know

Marketing helps you get noticed. Use Facebook, local influencers, and clear signs to spread the word. Give free charging in the beginning to bring in users. Once people trust you, they’ll keep coming back.

Step 11: Take Care of Your Station

Keep your chargers clean and working. Offer a helpline so people can call if there’s a problem. Have backup power to avoid shutdowns. Treat it like a real business, not a hobby.

Is the EV Market Growing in Bangladesh?

Yes, the electric vehicle (EV) market in Bangladesh is growing. The government wants 30% of all vehicles to be electric by the year 2030. Right now, there are around 25,000 to 30,000 EVs running in the country. This number is expected to rise quickly as more people become interested in using clean energy.

To help this growth, new charging points are being set up across the country. Companies like Crack Platoon and Mulytic Energy are building EV charging stations in Bangladesh, especially in busy cities like Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet. These charging stations will make it easier for people to charge their EVs, just like they fill fuel in regular cars. As more stations are added, even more people may choose to drive electric vehicles.

What You Need to Know Before Starting?

Starting a business can be exciting, but it’s essential to know what you’re getting into. Whether it’s an EV charging station or a café, certain fundamentals apply across the board. Before you take the plunge, take a moment to understand the essentials. Here’s a quick guide to what you need to consider:

• Market Research is Critical: Identify who needs your service and where they are located. This will guide your decisions on where to set up shop.
• Understand the Costs Involved: It’s not just about the initial setup; think about ongoing expenses too. Budgeting carefully will save you headaches later.
• Legal Requirements Vary: Each area has its own laws for businesses. Make sure you know what applies in your area.
• Technology Needs Upkeep: Whatever tech you use, it will need updates and repairs. Plan for these expenses and disruptions.
• Hiring the Right People Matters: Employees can make or break your business. Take your time to find a good fit for your team.
• Customer Service is Key: Happy customers come back and bring friends. Invest in training your staff to handle inquiries and problems.
• Advertise Smartly: Use the right channels to reach your audience. More exposure means more potential customers.
• Prepare for Slow Times: Every business has ups and downs. Have a plan for getting through the quieter periods.

How Much Does It Cost to Start an EV Charging Station?

Starting an EV charging station in Bangladesh needs a good amount of planning and money. Costs depend on the charger type, location, and how big you want to go. Basic setups cost less, but advanced stations with fast chargers and apps cost much more. You must also consider land costs, electricity setup, and tech tools you may need.

For AC chargers, expect to spend between ৳150,000 to ৳500,000 depending on quality and features. DC fast chargers are pricier, ranging from ৳1,000,000 to ৳4,000,000 each. When setting up commercial EV charging station in Bangladesh, you’ll also spend over ৳500,000 on installation and power systems. Software or mobile apps can add ৳200,000 more, unless you skip them completely to save costs.

What Equipment Do You Need for an EV Charging Setup?

To build an EV charging station, you need the right tools and machines. These help charge electric vehicles safely and easily. You don’t have to buy everything at once, but knowing the basics is very important. Here’s a simple list to help you understand what you’ll need:

• EV Chargers (AC or DC): AC chargers are slow and cheap, while DC chargers are fast and good for busy public places.
• Power Box (Distribution Box): This sends power to your chargers and keeps everything safe from short circuits or overload.
• Charging Cables and Plugs: These carry electricity from the charger to the car safely without getting too hot or damaged.
• Stands or Mounts for Chargers: These hold the chargers in place and protect them from being hit or damaged.
• Power Control System (Load Management): It helps balance power use so the system doesn’t shut down when many cars charge together.
• Meter and Payment System: This shows how much electricity is used and helps users pay for the charging.
• Cooling Fan or System: DC chargers get hot, so cooling keeps them working without overheating.
• Display Screen or Lights: These tell users if the car is charging, done, or if there is any problem.
• App or Software: Users can check charger status, book time, and pay using an app on their phone.
• Safety Kit and Emergency Stop: Fire extinguisher, warning signs, and a stop button are needed to stay safe during problems.

Legal Steps and Approvals You Must Follow

Starting any business sounds exciting, but there are some rules you need to follow to do it the right way. These rules help keep things safe, fair, and working well for everyone involved. If you skip the important steps, you might face trouble later. So before you start, take a look at the legal things you should know first.

Business Registration

First, you have to officially register your business with the government. You can do this through the RJSC, which is the office that handles new business names and documents. It’s like telling the country, “Hey, I’m starting something real!” After this, you’ll get papers that show your business is legal. Keep those documents safe—they’re very important.

Trade License

Once your business is registered, you’ll need a trade license from your local city office or municipality. This license gives you the right to run your business in a certain area. Without it, your station can get shut down even if everything else is ready. The fee depends on your location and business size. It usually needs to be renewed every year.

VAT and TIN

You also need to apply for a TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) and register for VAT (Value Added Tax). These are tax-related documents that every business must have. You’ll need them to open a bank account or deal with payments legally. It’s not fun, but it keeps things clean and fair. Your local tax office can help you with this.

Power Connection

To run chargers, you need a strong and steady electricity supply. You must apply to BPDB or the local power company for a commercial connection. They will check your site and may upgrade your power line if needed. This process takes time, so apply early. Don’t try shortcuts—legal power is safer and more reliable.

EV Policy Rules

There are some special rules for electric vehicle charging stations in Bangladesh. You must follow the EV policy in Bangladesh, which includes safety, power use, and where stations can be placed. This policy helps protect users, the environment, and the power grid. You can ask the energy office or check their website for more details. Always keep up with changes to avoid problems.

Environment Clearance

If you plan to use solar panels or batteries, you might need a clearance from the environment department. This is to make sure your station doesn’t harm nature or people around it. The rules depend on your setup size and location. If you’re unsure, talk to your local environment office. It’s better to ask first than fix mistakes later.

Safety Approval

You must follow safety rules to avoid risks like fire or electric shock. Your setup should meet the Electricity Act 2018, which gives clear steps for safety. Use proper equipment, trained electricians, and keep fire tools nearby. Also, have signs and emergency buttons ready at your station. Safety checks may happen, so be prepared anytime.

Ways to Make Your EV Charging Business Profitable

Running a business sounds exciting, but making it earn good money takes some smart thinking and effort. Just setting up a charging station isn’t enough if no one knows or uses it. You have to try different things to get more people to charge there. Let’s look at some simple ideas to help your station do well.

Pick a Good Spot

Location is super important when it comes to any charging station. Choose places where lots of cars pass by or stop. Think about areas near malls, offices, or even busy main roads. If people see your station often, they will remember it when they need to charge. A good spot means more people, and more people means more money.

Offer Fast Charging

Everyone is in a hurry these days, so nobody likes waiting too long. If your station has fast chargers, more drivers will choose your place. Fast charging also means more cars can charge in a day. That’s more customers in less time. It’s a simple way to earn more without doing extra work.

Keep Prices Fair

Don’t charge too high or too low — try to keep your prices in the middle. If it’s too costly, people won’t come back. If it’s too cheap, you won’t make any profit. Check what others are charging nearby and adjust yours wisely. A fair price brings more regular users.

Use Mobile Payment

Make it super easy for people to pay by adding bKash, Nagad, or card payment options. People like simple, fast ways to pay. If they struggle to pay, they might not return next time. You can also use a small app or QR code for easy access. Simple payment helps you earn without any delays.

Give Small Offers

Everyone loves getting something extra, even if it’s small. Try giving free charging for the first visit or discounts during the weekend. These little tricks bring more people to your station. Even if you earn a bit less at first, you’ll get loyal customers. Later, they’ll come back again and again.

Keep Things Working

Nobody likes a charger that doesn’t work when they need it most. Always check that everything at your station is running fine. Fix any problem quickly and keep the place clean and safe. People will trust your station more if it works every time. Trust brings more visitors and more profit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Out

Starting a business can feel exciting, but it’s easy to make small mistakes without knowing. These mistakes can cost money, time, and effort. That’s why it’s important to learn what to avoid before you begin. Here are some common mistakes people often make when opening an EV charging station:

• Skipping Location Check: Some pick random places without checking traffic or vehicle count. A quiet spot means fewer customers and less daily earnings.
• Using Cheap Equipment: Buying low-quality chargers to save money can lead to breakdowns. Fixing them later costs more and upsets your users.
• Ignoring Power Supply Needs: People forget to check if enough electricity is available. A weak connection can stop your station from working properly during peak hours.
• Not Having Backup Plans: Many ignore the need for extra power or internet. During outages, no service means no income and unhappy users.
• Forgetting Regular Maintenance: Some think the station will run fine on its own. Without checks, small issues grow and turn into costly repairs fast.
• Setting Confusing Prices: Hard-to-understand prices push people away. Make your rates clear and simple so customers know exactly what they will pay.
• Poor Customer Support: If users face problems and get no help, they won’t come again. A phone number or helpline builds customer trust easily.

Frequently Asked Questions about Starting EV Charging Business in Bangladesh

Investing in EV charging in Bangladesh can be a smart move if you plan well. Many people have questions before getting started. Here are some common FAQs that can help clear your doubts and guide you forward:

What Training Do I Need To Run An EV Charging Station?

You don’t need a formal degree, but learning basic electrical systems and charger handling is helpful. You can also take short training from local tech centers or hire skilled staff with proper knowledge to manage installations and repairs safely.

Can I Start Small With Just One Charger?

Yes, you can start with one charger, especially in a busy area. Starting small helps you learn the process and customer needs. You can later grow the station by adding more chargers once you begin earning steady profits.

Do I Need A Partner For This Business?

Having a partner isn’t a must, but it helps to share costs and responsibilities. A partner with technical or business skills can speed up the setup process. Make sure to choose someone you trust and can work with easily.

How Long Does It Take To Set Up Everything?

It usually takes around 2 to 4 months to get your station ready. Time depends on location, permits, and equipment delivery. Delays can happen with power setup or approvals, so start early and follow up regularly with all departments.

Is A License Required To Use Solar Power?

Yes, if you plan to use solar backup, you need permission from the proper authority. This includes environmental clearance and grid connection checks. You should speak with the local power office or solar company to handle the paperwork properly.

How Can I Find EV Users In My Area?

Look near busy roads, malls, offices, and parking zones where electric vehicles often stop. You can also talk to ride-sharing companies or delivery fleets. Ask around, observe traffic, or use online maps to track EV movement patterns nearby.

What Happens If There’s A Power Cut?

Your station will stop working unless you install a backup power system. You can use batteries or solar power to keep running. It’s important to plan for power cuts, especially in areas where electricity is unstable or load-shedding happens often.

Can I Run This Business Without An App?

Yes, you can run it without an app, especially at the start. Just display a phone number or offer QR payments. However, an app later can help with bookings, payments, and regular users who prefer digital access and updates.

Final Thoughts

The process of starting a business that sells EV charging stations may seem difficult at first, but following the right steps can make it easy. You need to choose a busy place, get legal papers, and buy good chargers.

Learning how to start an EV charging business in Bangladesh can really help you do everything the right way. As more people use electric vehicles, the need for charging spots will keep growing. If you plan well, set fair prices, and treat your customers nicely, your business can grow fast. This is a great time to start and be part of a cleaner, smarter future.